The Senior Manager, Culture Strategy introduced a report which provided an update on the development of a Culture and Heritage Strategy for Birkenhead, commissioned in support of the Council’s ambitious regeneration plans. In addition to the aims of the Strategy, the report set out timescales, overarching themes and high level priorities. The long-term vision in the Strategy was aligned to the Birkenhead 2040 Framework but with an initial 5 year delivery timeframe (2021 – 2026) which was aligned to both the Wirral Plan and Economic Strategy.

The strategy would also be critical to underpinning key initiatives which impacted on the borough as a whole, such as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture status, which Wirral would hold again in 2024.

In line with the draft Strategy, officers were currently working to ensure the opportunities presented by the Birkenhead Regeneration Framework had input in respect of culture and heritage. As an example of the joint working referenced in the document, officers were collaborating proactively across directorates to develop a programme for 2022 which would include Birkenhead Park’s 175th anniversary celebrations.

The Senior Manager and Assistant Director: Chief Regeneration Officer responded to a number of comments on the Strategy. Further work was to be carried out to finalise the Strategy in consultation with creatives, communities and stakeholders. Work was also ongoing to develop a funding plan aligned to the Strategy alongside culture being a fundamental part of the regeneration programme which presented further opportunities. With regard to an evaluation of the 2019 Borough of Culture, this had been held in abeyance due to Covid pressures but work had been undertaken and would be reported to Members.

Members expressed their thanks and full support for all the work which had and was being undertaken with regard to the Strategy and all that it entailed.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Steve Williams, it was -

Resolved – That,

(1)  the draft Culture and Heritage Strategy for Birkenhead, be endorsed and;

(2)  the Director of Regeneration and Place be requested to bring a further report for approval of the final strategy.